Publisher's Statement
It may come as a surprise to some that Urban Velo is not necessarily my proudest accomplishment in the world of urban cycling. To be sure, I am incredibly proud of the media entity that Brad and I have created. But just as I prefer small gatherings to large parties, I get the most satisfaction from knowing that I’ve personally empowered a number of my friends, colleagues, neighbors, coworkers, students and family members to ride.
Sometimes it’s as easy as lending someone a necessary piece of equipment—a lock or a blinkey light, for example. Other times it involves a bit of bike repair, sometimes a complete overhaul. Or an entire bike, whether it’s to borrow or to keep.
And while advice and material support is always appreciated, the best thing that any of us can do to support a fledgling cyclist is to offer our encouragement. Especially when it comes to riding in the city. Because just about anyone who’s never mixed it up with two-ton wrecking machines is bound to be a little nervous their first time.
On the contrary, one of the worst things any of us can do to a prospective urban cyclist is to try and coerce them into riding. It’s bad enough to send someone out onto the streets without experience; a lack of self-determination could prove utterly defeating, if not disastrous.
The best-case scenario is to inspire the people around you‚ to lead by example. And when they come to you asking for a few words of wisdom, you’ll have the golden opportunity to bring another cyclist into the fold.